Where Do I Turn For Help When The Profession That Offers Help Was The Main Reason For The Trauma?

[CarbonUnit]

I refuse to trust the psychiatrists who harmed me before. I have a great therapist, but progress is slow. And I have chronic conditions that require I seek care in an ER sometimes. And no matter how many times I tell them, and to keep me in the loop, and no matter how many times they promise, they lie & traumatize me even more. I'm at the point now where I"d rather lay in bed & die than to ever go to an ER again. I am alone, with no one to go with me when I go. When there are witnesses, they never pull anything. Only when I'm alone. So I will never go alone again. ever.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Hi, it is always better to bring someone along. It is sad but witnesses make a big difference. I hope you find someone you can take with you. You need an advocate after what you just described. I am sad that you were traumatized by the very people who were supposed to be helping you. I wish you the best in finding someone to go with you.

 

[^^FlyingSolo^^]

I agree with Gizmo, and I understand what you are going through. I always if possible have my advocate with me at all meetings business or health matters. And it does make a huge difference! And even with my advocate present I voice record all meetings no matter who it is even my doctor. As a disabled person it is my right by law to use communication devices to facilitate my communications. (but always ask for permission before you start recording) If they say no that is discrimination and it is against the law in the US.

I became this way after many experiences just like what you've described.

You just have to stay one step ahead of them. ;)

Try to have people at your local disability office available to go with you to places. And also find a neighbor that would be willing to go to the ER with you in emergencies. Just making some of these arrangements in advance will save you a lot of headache in the long run.

Also another thing to have handy is a phone number to a "Nurse line". Most all insurances has a nurse line to call for help. If you cant find one, you can call your hospital and ask to talk to a nurse. But try to find a nurse line.

A few weeks ago I was trying an alternative medicine and I basically got liver poisoning, it happened twice. Both times I was sicker than I had ever been in my life, felt like i was dying. I refuse to go to the ER. What did I do? I called the nurse line. She helped calm me down and figure out what the problem was. And gave me a ton of information and was even stayed on the line while I was puking my guts out. It made all the difference in the world. That's not the first time I've called. I've been using the nurse line for several years.

Take care,

Solo

 

[Abacus]

Hi CarbonUnit,
I have severe issues with PTSD from being abused in inpatient psychiatric hospitals. As a result I have had a very very difficult time trusting my outpatient treatment team at various times. I am sorry that your therapist does not keep you in the loop and you end up further traumatized. Is there a way for you to seek a new therapist who would respect your wishes more? Being able to trust your therapist seems extremely important.

From my PTSD associated with hospitals, I am horribly triggered by being near hospitals, being in buildings that remind me of hospitals, doctors offices etc. A few weeks ago I was having a number of physical symptoms and called my doctor's office for advice, thinking maybe they could recommend an over the counter product. In the end however the combination of symptoms caused concern that I could have a blood clot in my lung which would be fatal. I went to the emergency room with one of my parents and got horrendously triggered, was crying, was having a panic attack (PTSD from sexual violence was also triggered with not being allowed to wear my own clothes etc). They had to do ultrasounds and chest x-rays and all sorts of tests and after about two hours of being there I was getting hysterical and was going to walk out. They knew it wasn't a blood clot but wanted me to wait for some test results.

After that I feel like I would never go to the emergency room again because I am so scared of being abused. Bringing someone with you would probably help, but it sounds extremely scary. Just a couple of nights ago I had severe chest pain and something felt really wrong. Luckily my parents are doctors and I can consult them on any medical issues I have but it's hard. There's no garuntee of not being mistreated or abused and that drives me crazy.

Just wanted to say I relate and would be very interested in talking to you more about your experiences.

Abacus